How will you help make seamless transitions on shift changes as our next NICU nurse?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Entry Level Example
Answer Example

In almost any nursing setting, handing off a unit at shift change time in a smooth fashion is important. Your interviewer is looking to see how you will handle the transition during shift changes to get a feel for how you will handle this task as a part of their NICU nursing team.

It is important for you to showcase your communication and listening skills and talk about how you take information and put it to work. Walking step-by-step through your previous employers' handoffs can be beneficial as well because it will reassure the interviewer that you are familiar with sound processes in these situations. The unique inpatient experience with infants in the NICU setting makes communication and handoff vitally important for the safety and well-being of all patients on the unit, so be sure to reiterate to your interviewer that you are aware of this fact.

"During my clinical rotation, we participated in shift changes by working with our instructors to give reports and then also with the next group of students or staff coming in. Our end-of-shift reporting consisted of patient status updates, notables like medication refusals, passing along family member requests, fall risk updates, food and drink intake, urinary output, etc. The method of this handoff was usually in person, but I do have experience recording my reports as well as transcribing them. I'm very thorough in ensuring the next person caring for my patient is fully equipped with the necessary knowledge."

"At my current position, we have a process for transitioning at shift change. To start, the RNs coming off shift and those coming on have a huddle that is led by the unit supervisor at each shift change. In the huddle, any significant issues with patients are discussed. Next, if any work remains to be done with a patient, we communicate with each other one-on-one to ensure that the needs of our patients are met. I would look to bring this same mindset to shift changes, both at my start and end of shift times, while also being flexible to work around your team's current process. I know that the NICU patients and families will be reliant on a smooth transition every day between their nursing staff."